Malware attacks on the iPad and iPhone are extremely rare and currently not a
concern for the vast majority of users, says Rick Maybury

I understand that the iPad has some sort of protection against viruses but does it offer any form of protection for shopping online?

M. Hollenberg, by email

Thanks to the high security fence surrounding the Apple App Store, and safeguards built into the operating system, viruses and malware that directly attack the iPad and iPhone are extremely rare and currently not a concern for the vast majority of users. However, it cannot protect you from the countless other crooks, scams and exploits that affect everyone using the web, on any sort of PC or Internet connected device. In no particular order they include ‘phishing’ emails and pop-up advertisements that can lure you to fake websites where you may be tricked into divulging pin codes, passwords or credit card details. Wireless data connections can be intercepted by so called ‘evil twin’ Wi-Fi hotspots and MITM (Man In The Middle) attacks, then there is the whole issue of theft and loss. Unencrypted personal and private data stored on the device is poorly protected by the basic passcode and new bugs and security loopholes that can bypass it are uncovered with monotonous regularity. In short, if you are going to use your iPad for online shopping, remain vigilant!